Venues
Events
VideoMusic
Kooper, You Did It Again
The Al Kooper Rockabilly Trio at City Winery
Kooper chillin’ with an unknown guitarist (Photo: AlKooper.com)
| | More
Al Kooper is perhaps best known for playing the organ on Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.” Considering that’s, y’know, the greatest song of all-time, that’s a pretty big accomplishment—especially because he had never really played the instrument before. Kooper just wanted to provide a striking sound to something he knew was going to be special (and considering Mike Bloomfield was the guitarist, he knew he had no shot there), so he started playing the organ and was so good that during a playback, Dylan actually yelled, “Turn the organ up!”
If you’re a musician and you’ve received props from Bob Dylan, you must be pretty good. Plus, Kooper wrote “This Diamond Ring” for Gary Lewis and the Playboys; formed Blood, Sweat, and Tears; produced “Free Bird”; and has worked as a session musician for the Rolling Stones, the Who, B.B. King and many more. And Kooper is still making great music: He’s the lead singer and guitarist of the Al Kooper Rockabilly Trio, performing tonight at City Winery (155 Varick St.) as part of the Hudson Square Music and Wine Festival.
The Trio performs the music they heard and loved when growing up, like Elvis, Rick Nelson, Buddy Holly, Ray Charles, and other rock ‘n’ roll greats. And considering how often Kooper is busy with other projects, leading to a lack of frequent touring for the Trio, you’ll want to be at City Winery tonight from 5-7 p.m. Plus, it’s free!
Every Tuesday from now until August 10, a new band or musician will play at the Winery as part of the Hudson Square Fest. Here’s the full schedule:
June 29: Al Kooper Rockabilly Trio
July 6: Ed Kowalczyk (of Live)
July 13: Jewzapalooza-De Leon, J-Viewz and TBA
July 20: Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens
July 27: CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band
August 3: Popa Chubby
August 10: Bajah and the Dry-Eye Crew